Effi Briest A Reflection of 19th Century Germany
Effi Briest: A Reflection of 19th Century Germany Effi Briest, a novel by Theodor Fontane, is the poignant story of Effi, a young woman whose restricted interactions with society and the moral attitudes of that society are brought into direct and terrible conflict. Fontane gives an all too realistic portrayal of late 19th century morality and the lives of minor German aristocrats. ... Effi Briest is a reflection of the late 19th century German middle-class. The social setting of Effi Briest expresses a time and a place that is unique and specific to German history. Innstetten and Effi represent typical products of their environment. The Prussian way of life, its government, and its military were still dominant in Germany, and bourgeois individualism, which the Briests represented, had come into being. ... The industrial revolution and political unification transformed Germany to a nation that celebrated technology and material possessions. For instance, after her marriage to Innstetten, Effi is very concerned with her material possessions. ... The railway and various steam-power technologies also came to represent the spirit of progress rampant throughout Germany in the 1870’s. ... Effi greatly enjoyed gathering with her counterparts to listen to the music of various composers such as Wagner . German composers also influenced the music of religion during the late 19th century. Throughout Effi Briest, it is clear that religion plays a large role in the lives of the characters. Effi is tormented by her guilt and repeatedly asks for God’s forgiveness . ... Pride is a central theme of the late 19th century German society. The people of Germany were bound by honor and society. ... Effi’s own parents refuse to grant her refuge in their home for fear of being ostracized by their peers. ... Effi Briest also reflects the new political and economic conditions of the late 19th century. ... Effi is the typical upper-class women of late 19th century Germany.